Temba Bavuma Reveals Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah Apologised for On-Field Remark

Temba Bavuma revealed that Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah apologised for an on-field remark during the Test, adding that such comments are remembered but used as motivation.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma addressed an on-field remark directed at him during the two-match Test series against India, which South Africa won 2-0. The incident occurred in the first Test in Kolkata during a discussion between Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant while considering an LBW appeal.

Bavuma later confirmed that both Indian players approached him to apologise after the match. He said he became aware of the comment only afterward and sought clarity from team staff. Bavuma added that such moments remain in memory but serve as motivation rather than a source of conflict.

WATCH ALSO | Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Shine With Centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy

“I know from my side there was an incident where they said something in their language about me. At the end of the day two senior players, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, came and apologised. When the apology was made, I was in the dark about what it was about, I hadn’t heard it at the time and I needed to check in with our media manager about it. What happens on the field, stays on the field but you don’t forget what is said. You use it as fuel and motivation, but there are no grudges per se,” ESPNCricinfo quoted Bavuma as saying.

Temba Bavuma Responds to Shukri Conrad’s Comment

Temba Bavuma also shared his view on the controversy surrounding South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, after comments made before the second Test in Guwahati. Conrad’s use of the word grovel during a press interaction drew criticism and comparisons to remarks made by Tony Greig in the past. Bavuma said the comment initially felt uncomfortable. However, he felt the coach was best placed to explain the context himself.

“Shukri also took some heat for his “grovel” remark. I was put under pressure by the media on that side, asking me to clarify the comments that were made. I thought Shukri was the man best positioned to give context to it all. The first time I heard about it, it had that unsavoury taste to it, but I think it just reminded me how tough and competitive the Test series was and what it meant to certain individuals within the group. Shukri spoke after the ODI series and put that issue to bed. In hindsight, he said he could have chosen a better word and I agree with him,” he added.